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Clouds of the Caucasus
Trekking from Tusheti over the Adsunta-pass to Khevsureti, from Omalo/Shenako to Shatili in Georgia
A great route through the original regions of the Greater Caucasus Range in Tusheti and Khevsureti
20th of July until 20th of September 2006 according to agreement
8-days
Number of participants 1-6
At the Abano-pass: The gate to Tusheti coming from Kakheti
Travel program:
Day 1
Transfer starting from Tbilissi into the Eastgeorgian wine province Kakheti at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Range to the winter accomodation of the Tushs to Alvani. Alvani consists of the "upper" Zemo Alvani and the "lower" Kvemo Alvani. Endless wine gardens in the panorama of the Caucasus mountains and the impressive culture landscape of the kakhetian farmers pull on the eyes of the traveler. A high point of this route is the stop at the pictorial church Alaverdi from the 12th Century not far of Alvani.
A typically Georgian dinner with wine and singing with our hosts in Alvani in the evening. Daily stage by car approx. 200 km
Church Alaverdi in Kakheti
Day 2
After loading the cross-country Lada Nivas and a breakfast a breath-robbing Offroadtour starts over the summits of the Caucasus into the high lands of Tusheti. 6-8 hours travel over the most adventurous ways ever more highly up into the realm of the circling eagles. A view back curves every now and then into the lovely Kakheti, but before us the rough and original Caucasus mountains. On the Abano pass of 2860 m we have a short rest with a lunch. From the pass one recognizes the mountain ranges og Dagestan, left of it lies clearly the pictorial Tusheti. Downhill by car along rapid rivers, avalanches are passed from the previous winter, rubble and some herds of sheep can bee seen. The village Shenako will probably be reached after break-down of the darkness. Daily stage by car approx. 90 km
Das Dorf Shenako
Day 3
Start of the Trekking tour with luggage horses from Shenako over steep mountain meadows and deep pine forrests along the river Tushetis Alazani up to the village Dartlo or further up to the village Chesho. Overnight accomodation in the tent or under simplest conditions with Tushetian families. Distance approx. 25 km
Bei Girevi in Tuschetien
Day 4
The way becomes imperceptibly more steeply and slowly begins the ascent along age-old hunter paths. On the juicy meadows in the distance enormous herds of sheep, which we come because of the watchful white shepherd dogs not too close. Huge mountain formations seem insurmountably however we constantly and with many tracing precede it. Overnight accomodation in tents at a source near Kvakhidi. Distance approx. 16 km
Sheep crossing the Alazani
Day 5
Today we clime up to the Adsunta pass on 3600 m height, which the sometimes nearly lovely Tusheti separates from the rougher Khevsureti. The mountain landscapes are not only differently, also the character of the mountains peoples. While the Tushs appear quite friendly and companionable, Khevsurs are usually rather silent, introvertiert and proud. Meadows are replaced from debris and rubble waste dumps, snow fields apply to cross it, close clouds form impenetrable smoke screens. It can be around the zero degrees, and also under it. Ways are not to be recognized, but on our mountain leaders is full relying. Overnight accomodation behind the pass in the mountains of Khevsureti. Distance approx. 16 km
At the pass
Day 6
Difficult and steep descents lead into the heart country of the Khevsurs from the heights. Like an eagle nest the fortress Ardoti was built, the first indication of an age-old civilization and the residence for the famous khevsurian poet Murgwar Ardoteli. Overnight accomodation in tents at Ardoti.
Distance approx. 14 km
Khevsur with horse
Day 7
Along the river rich with trouts leads the way by a beautiful valley to the historic fortress of Mutso. Everywhere at the edge of way small artificially created wells and sources remind on Khevsurs died by accidents or fights. Perhaps the small mountain cattle of the Khevsurs block our road from time to time and maybe we meet khevsurian hunters on their fast horses. In the late afternoon the impressive fortress Shatili at the river Argun is reached, where we are welcomed by our hosts. Overnight accomodation in private house in Shatili. Distance approx. 16 km
Day 8
After a visit of the buildings of the fortress and houses of Shatili we start the autoroute and go again highly up up to the Bear-cross- Pass on 2680 m height. You will notice that the colors of Khevsureti are completely different from the colors of Tusheti, the greens are fuller, and the greys of the rock coolly. In the village Korsha near the province capital Barissakho at the Aragvi we use the opportunity for a visit of a local history museum of the Khevsurs with old weapons, arms, clothes and tools at the family of the artist Schota Arabuli. From here it goes over 50 km through the close wild valley of the Aragvi in the province Pshavi back to the postmodern civilization into the capital Tbilisi. Distance by car approx. 120 km
Achievements:
All transfers from/to Tbilissi
Experienced mountain guides
Luggage horses
Riding horses against surcharge
Overnight accomodation according to program at local families in simple pensions and in tents
Board
Necessary equipment:
We ask you a trip/travel health insurance
Weatherproof, comfortable and warm clothes for the high mountains
Particularly good and sturdy footwear
Sun glasses, cap, light sportshoes for changing
Flashlights, pocket knife, drinking cup
Sleeping bag
Trekking sticks as required
Some small gifts for hosts or native children
Travel price:
USD 940.00
In Tusheti
Defence towers in Tusheti
In Khevsureti
Fortress Mutso in Khevsureti
Fortress Shatili
Georgia with the provinces Tusheti und Khevsureti northeast of Tbilisi
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